SGB Update Apparel

Golf Rounds Played Climb 18 Percent In May
Golf rounds played in the U.S. rose 18.1 percent for the month of May, according to Golf Datatech. For the year-to-date period, rounds are ahead 33.6 percent.

Appalachian Gear Company Expands Manufacturing Operations In North Carolina
Appalachian Gear Company announces its expansion into a new manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain, NC. The move will allow the brand to increase the production of its All-Paca products while creating jobs in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Hibbett Initiates Quarterly Cash Dividend
Hibbett Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has declared an initial quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share on the company’s common stock. The commencement of the company’s first ongoing dividend program is reflective of the company’s growth and commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value.

EY Future Consumer Index Finds Consumers Prioritizing Sustainability
Globally, levels of concern among consumers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are moderating slightly, according to the seventh edition of the EY Future Consumer Index. A key emerging trend is the prioritization of sustainability, although the majority of consumers are relying on companies to act as leaders in driving positive social and environmental outcomes.

NRF Welcomes Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework
The National Retail Federation said it is encouraged by a bipartisan group of Senators and the Biden Administration finding agreement on a framework for an infrastructure package.

Goat Group Valuation More Than Doubles To $3.7 Billion In Latest Funding Round
Goat Group has closed a Series F funding round of $195 million, reaching a valuation of $3.7 billion, more than double its prior valuation of $1.8 billion following its Series E round announced in September 2020.

Canada Goose To Go Fur-Free By End Of Next Year
Canada Goose announced that it would end the use of fur in all its products. Through a phased approach, Canada Goose will end the purchase of fur by the end of 2021 and cease manufacturing with fur no later than the end of 2022.

Hibbett Changes Corporate Name
Hibbett Inc. announced that it changed its corporate name from “Hibbett Sports, Inc.” to “Hibbett, Inc.”. Mike Longo, president and CEO, said new corporate name better reflects its increased emphasis on athletic-inspired fashion merchandise.

Mizuno Establishes Partnership With LPGA
Mizuno announced a new partnership with the LPGA. The Japanese manufacturer will have a presence at various professional and amateur women’s events in 2021 and produce content for the LPGA’s Women’s Network.

American Express Commits More Than $100 Million To Small Business Campaign
American Express announced that it has launched its new “Let’s Go Shop Small” campaign with more than a $100 million commitment to inspire consumers to support small businesses worldwide through its year-round Shop Small campaign.

Gildan Joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol welcomed Gildan Activewear and their portfolio of company-owned brands, including Gildan, Alstyle, American Apparel and Comfort Colors as members.

Under Armour Veteran Joins CEO Coaching International
CEO Coaching International named Matt Shearer, a former executive at Under Armour, as its newest partner and coach.

Izod Sold To Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has reached an agreement to acquire PVH Corp.’s Heritage Brands business, which includes the Izod, Van Heusen, Arrow and Geoffrey Beene brand trademarks. The cash purchase price for the transaction is approximately $220 million.

OBIT: Jimmy Jazz Founder Joseph Khezrie
Jimmy Jazz said its founder Joseph Khezrie has passed away at the age of 90.

Adidas Extends Partnership With Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University Director of Athletics, Kathy Beauregard, announced an extension of the department’s partnership with Adidas, keeping Bronco Athletics in the brand through 2027/28.